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Visited: winter
Recommendation: This is a wonderful place to look for wildlife but local knowledge is key. The birding community in this area and Adelaide is very active and people will help with information.
Ettrick Conservation Park is a protected area north east of Murray Bridge. The park consists of crown land and is an important refuge for species such as Malleefowl and Regent Parrot. It is a great example of open mallee, made up of several species of eucalypt, but it is also home to one of the few remaining examples of tussock grassland. On first appearance, it seems quiet and almost barren but waiting a while pays off as birds start to be heard.
The roads around the park can also be productive, with lots of raptors in the area but the holy grail is the Malleefowl. These very rare and even more shy birds can be found here at times. I was lucky enough to find a mound of a pair of Malleefowl and a glimpse of one. No photos but a good start.
Unlike many other bird species, Malleefowl don't incubate their eggs directly. Instead, they construct large, mound-shaped nests in which the eggs are buried and heated by the decomposition of organic material. They typically build their nests in areas with sandy soil, often near mallee scrub., collecting leaves, twigs, and other organic matter, scraping it into a mound.
The birds carefully monitor and adjust the temperature within the nest by adding or removing materials. Eggs are laid between September and February, depending on the availability of suitable nesting material and favorable weather conditions. The female lays one egg every few days, with the total clutch size ranging from 5 to and incredible 30 eggs.
The decomposing organic matter within the nest generates heat, incubating the eggs. The male malleefowl closely monitors the temperature and adjusts it as needed. Eggs then hatch after approximately 60-100 days, depending on the temperature within the nest. Chicks are precocial, meaning they are able to walk and feed themselves immediately after hatching.
Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata)
The Hooded Robin is a common inhabitant of arid and open areas across the mainland of Australia. They are often seen in pairs sitting low down, scanning the area for food. The more substantially grey female of this pair was sat close by.
Galah are unsurprisingly present here, although not in great numbers. I particularly liked seeing this subspecies as it is a much bright pink than those I have seen further north.
Once restricted to eastern Australia, they have thrived and spread as forests have been cleared. They have colonised everywhere from coasts to cities to remote Outback areas.
Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla)
Close to the conservation park, I found an open area with numerous Black-shouldered Kites hawking for food. A pair were shredding some poor small creature while 3 juveniles sat together looking out over the area.
The eyes of this attractive kite are particularly striking against their pale feathers. The red pigment in their eyes absorbs a wide range of wavelengths of light, allowing them to see better in low-light conditions. This is particularly beneficial for hunting prey, which they often do early in the morning or late in the evening.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
Greater Bluebonnet (Northiella haematogaster)
As well as the Galah, numerous other parrots are present in the area. My favourite had to be the Greater Bluebonnet. I can never get past the striking contrast between the really dull grey/brown feathers and the brilliant red chest and blue face.
Most numerous was the Mallee Ringneck with its striking red band above the bill.
Skulking away in the shadows was the much more shy Mulga Parrot. The male has iridescent turquoise plumage which my photos did not do justice, but I was glad to see them nonetheless.
Mallee Ringneck Parrot (Barnardius zonarius barnardi)
Mulga Parrot (Psephotellus varius)
The Purple-gaped Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis) is a medium-sized honeyeater endemic to Australia. I have only seen them once before so was thrilled to find them again in the mallee bush.
They are approximately 20-25 cm in length. Males have a predominantly blue-grey upperparts with a purple-blue throat and breast. Females have a duller brown-grey upperparts with a paler throat.
This honeyeater is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and gardens. While they are widespread throughout eastern and southeastern Australia, they are uncommon and difficult to find.
Purple-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus cratitius)
The Red Wattlebird is one of the largest honeyeater species and I always think it sounds like a chicken being strangled. While its wattles appear very small, they are a prominent feature of the male Red Wattlebird and stand out as seen in this photo. It is likely that they are used in courtship displays to attract females. The more vibrant and healthy the wattles appear, the more attractive the male may be to potential mates.
Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)
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